11 Ways to Protect Yourself from Heat Waves this Summer

As temperatures soar, heatwaves become more common. A heatwave is a condition of air temperature which becomes fatal to the human body when exposed. It is considered a heatwave only when the maximum temperature rises above 40 degrees. Heat waves can affect your health adversely and should not be taken lightly.

Luckily, there are several ways which will help you to protect yourself from the heat of summer. Here are 11 tips to keep yourself cool in this scorching heat-

1. Keep Yourself Hydrated:

During summers, sweating can cause dehydration and lower blood pressure. So drink as much water as you can. One must always carry a water bottle while going out either to work or on a shopping spree.

Sugary and caffeinated drinks should be avoided during a heat wave as they dehydrate the body. The common signs of dehydration are- headache, dry mouth, concentrated urine, pale face etc. So, upon noticing these signs, one must drink ample water.

2. Wear Sunscreen Before Stepping Out:

Sun rays damage the skin leading to various serious skin issues like sunburns, skin cancers, rashes, inflammation, hyperpigmentation and so on. Therefore, sunscreen acts as a shield for your skin which keeps you safe. Consult your doctor for dermatologically tested sunscreens.

3. Wear Light Colour Clothes:

Always wear light clothes in the summer because light colours reflect heat which helps to keep our body cool. Moreover, cotton clothes are recommended because cotton is a good absorber of water that helps absorb sweat and brings it under control.

4. Eat Water-rich Food:

As the summer heat rises, our bodies get dehydrated soon. If you don’t want to drink the recommended amount of water, then fruits and vegetables can provide you with extra fluid, along with keeping you nourished and healthy. Common foods rich in water content include watermelon, orange, cucumber, spinach, tomato, apple etc.

5. Have breakfast before going out:

One must never skip breakfast in the summer. Before going out in the scorching heat, one must eat something that will help replenish blood sugar levels and kick start the metabolism. You will feel drained of energy when you don’t give your body that fuel.

6. Carry an Umbrella while going out:

When summers hit the shore, it creates a burning effect on the body. Umbrellas help protect your skin from direct UV rays from the sun.

There is no question that regular use of umbrellas will limit your sun exposure, decreasing the damaging effects of over-exposure to UV rays can have on your skin.

7. Wear Protective Sunglasses While Moving Out:

Excessive heat exposure may cause many eye problems. Sunglasses prevent damage to the eyes in the long run. It stops the UV rays from getting in direct contact with the eyes. Sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection can help in reducing the risk of cataracts or any glaucoma complications.

8. Schedule outdoor activities wisely:

As the temperature soars with each passing day, it is very difficult to step outdoors. The temperature is at its peak from mid-noon till 4 pm. Try to limit outdoor activities during the afternoon and schedule it for the morning or the evening when the risk of a heat wave is minimal.

9. Look for signs of heatstroke:

Even after following all the precautions to stay away from the heatwave, you can never rule out the possibility of a heat stroke. Some of the common signs to look out for include paleness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea, vomiting etc. Get to know about the signs and symptoms of heat waves to take action at the right time to avoid complications.

10. Use Nature to Tackle Heatwave:

Plants and trees help to keep the environment cool. There are some plants which absorb heat. The best example is Ficus Benjamina. This plant grows indoors, which helps to keep the air moist and cool.

Plants can keep the house cool due to transpiration. During the process of transpiration, plants lose water keeping the air around them cool, purified and fresh. Get some plants in your house that can help keep the temperature down.

11. Avoid Strenuous Activities:

One must avoid strenuous activities when the outside temperature is high. It may lead to excessive sweating resulting in dehydration. Average working hours in the heat must be reduced to keep yourself hydrated. Also, more frequent breaks must be taken to give rest to the body.